[RE-wrenches] Cable tray

[Mark Richardson]

Bill,
Thank you for continuing to help adopt more practical and 'user friendly' code1 requirements.
As Glen pointed out, [NEC 2011] 392.10(B)(1)(a) could pose a problem for some AHJ's - even though 690.31(B) allows PV wire in exposed outdoor locations (presumably not in "cable tray").
It is truly counter-intuitive that by efforting responsible wire-management and installing PV wire in "cable tray" it would somehow create a code violation unless it was at least 1/0, and that it would somehow be allowed in a residential application under the same 392.10? It is also interesting to note the definition of Supervised Industrial Installation2  in 240.2 and that all of those conditions are not met in most cases
Just wanted to say again: Thanks for the forward progress!
Mark

1 - I know, I know: "user-friendly code" is an oxymoron J
2 - I could not find a referenced definition of Industrial Establishments

[NYLE LOGO SMALL]
Mark Richardson
mrichardson at newyorklightenergy.com<mailto:mrichardson at newyorklightenergy.com>

From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Bill Brooks
Sent: Monday, March 25, 2013 10:54 PM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Cable tray

All,

Here is the language that has been accepted into the 2014 NEC:

690.31(C)(2)

(2) Cable Trays. PV source circuits and PV output circuits using single-conductor cable listed and labeled as Photovoltaic (PV) wire of all sizes with or without a Cable Tray marking/rating shall be permitted in cable trays installed in outdoor locations provided the cables are supported at intervals not to exceed 30cm (12 in.) and secured at intervals not to exceed 1.4m (4.5').

I hope this helps. It is a very big deal.

Bill.



From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org<mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org> [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of David Brearley
Sent: Monday, March 25, 2013 6:01 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Cable tray

Ouch. I promise I'm not advocating for anything like that. What I may be missing is the Code reference that says "no cable tray on roofs" or similar.

There is so much room for improvement in wire management practices, that being able to use cable tray seems like a step forward. I understand some jurisdictions do not allow it, but it appears as though Code changes were made specifically to address this. It's boring stuff, but you can read the explanation of the Code changes in the ROP and ROC documents.

The Code changes a lot with regards to PV system, and Article 690 is more fluid than other articles. Some of this is the Code trying to keep up with technology. In other cases the Code evolves based on new applications for existing products. Often it changes because some areas of the Code are confusing for electricians and inspectors alike. If the new Code language is more clear in its intent than previous versions, some inspectors are willing to let installers build to the most current standard.

That's all I'm advocating for: Trying to understand how the minimum requirements outlined in Code evolve over time so that you can have a friendly and informed conversation with your AHJ over a donut.




On Mar 25, 2013, at 6:26 PM, William Miller wrote:

David:

This is great news.  Now, whenever I want to do something that is prohibited by code, I can just say that the Code Making Panel is gonna correct that pesky code section (insert your problem citation here) any day now, so I might as well be allowed to do whatever it was I was fixin' to do anyway.  Unless I am missing something...

Thanks!

William Miller

PS:  Just kidding.  Hope no offense is taken.

wm


At 03:46 PM 3/25/2013, you wrote:

So if you ever get called on 392.10(B)(2), I think you can point out that the Code Making Panels have been busy clarifying that cable tray is okay for source circuit conductors. Unless I'm missing something....
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